In a significant boost for public health and development, the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) has officially handed over the newly completed Kamuli Water Supply and Sanitation System to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC). This milestone coincided with the Parliamentary Committee on National Economy giving a crucial green light to secure a government loan for Phase Two of the Strategic Towns Water Supply Project.

The dual announcement, made during the Committee’s assessment tour and the handover ceremony at the water plant in Mbulamuti, Kamuli, marks a pivotal stride towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal Six (SDG 6), which focuses on providing clean water and sanitation for all. The event saw the convergence of the Parliamentary Committee, local political leaders, and jubilant community members.

The Parliamentary Committee on National Economy lauded the Ministry of Water and Environment for its unwavering commitment to implementing government programs that directly improve citizens’ standards of living.

Kamuli Project Delivers 80% Service Increase

The completed Kamuli Water Supply and Sanitation System is expected to increase water and sanitation services in the area by an impressive 80%. The new infrastructure boasts a modern water treatment plant, efficient pump houses, sedimentation tanks, and numerous public stand-posts designed to enhance accessibility. M/S Vidas Engineering Services Company Ltd., the project contractor, will remain responsible for addressing any defects during the specified liability period.

Green Light for Phase 2: A Strategic Investment

John Bosco Ikojo, Member of Parliament for Bukedea and Chairperson of the Committee on National Economy, explained the rigorous process behind the approval for Phase 2. He clarified that the Ministry of Finance had presented a loan request in April to finance Phase Two of the Strategic Towns Water Supply System, building on the successes of the first phase.

“In April, Ministry of Finance presented a loan request towards implementation of a project to finance Phase II of strategic towns water supply system in line with the first Project implemented in Phase 1 to improve water supply system,” Ikojo explained.

Citing Article 159 of the constitution, which grants the committee powers to process donor-funded loans, Hon. Ikojo affirmed their thorough assessment of the completed first phase. He noted that while Phase 2 funding is currently proposed from Standard Chartered Bank as a commercial loan, the committee intends to scrutinize its terms.

“Yes, Standard Chartered Bank is offering a commercial loan which we may need a lot of money to pay off, and looking at our national debt service strategy, we may need to get a more concessional loan to finance social services,” Ikojo stated, emphasizing the need for financially sustainable solutions while balancing the critical demand for water for “sustainability of development, domestic and industrial production.”

Addressing Power Challenges and Local Content Demands

Despite the significant progress, challenges remain. Eng. Dr. Felix Twinomucunguzi, Assistant Commissioner for Urban Water and Sewerage Department, raised concerns about intermittent power supply due to load shedding, which hinders consistent water pumping.

He highlighted the dilemma of employing heavy generators as an alternative, stating it would inevitably push tariffs higher for consumers. Dr. Twinomucunguzi appealed for intervention and discussions with UEDCL to provide a dedicated power line not subjected to routine load shedding, ensuring continuous water supply. He also urged more customers to connect to the system, noting that despite a five-times capacity for 2,000 customers, only 700 have currently connected.

Adding a local perspective, Henry Maurice Kibalya, Member of Parliament for Bugabula South, advocated strongly for local content in the next phase. “We are happy and appreciate the project, but observe that Phase 1 did not cater for local content. So our demand is that in Phase 2, we want the community to own and feel the project; let the money remain in the local economy and the project make impact with tangible corporate social responsibility, not merely latrines,” he urged. He also prioritized the inclusion of a standby generator in Phase 2. Earlier, community representative Ruth Namusisi voiced a request for at least a latrine for Bugondha Primary School, the nearest to the water plant.

Community Praises Affordability and Health Benefits

The positive impact on the community was enthusiastically reported by Kamuli Deputy RDC Adonia Mafumo, who witnessed the handover. He delivered a community report appreciating the improved water services, which have dramatically cut the cost of water from UGX 500 to UGX 100 per jerrycan. This substantial reduction has directly led to a decrease in the burden of waterborne diseases.

“From our community dialogues and field visits, the public has commended the improved water supply system, which has seen a great reduction, hence affordability of safe and clean water, saving UGX 400 a jerrycan, which translates to reduction in the water-cleaned disease burden,” the RDC called, urging communities and leaders to “not only appreciate, support but also embrace government interventions.”

The handover and the subsequent approval for Phase Two signal a strong governmental commitment to expanding access to clean and safe water across strategic towns, setting a promising trajectory for improved public health and socio-economic development.